Cinders & Sapphires by Leila Rasheed Read Free Book Online

understand the necessity for the marriage.”
    “You better than anyone, I think. The estate accounts—”
    “They are worrying.”
    “They are bloody awful.” He leaned forward, scowling. “William has made a mess of things. I had no idea he was this incapable with money. If this goes on the estate will be bankrupt in a year.”
    Mrs. Cliffe looked at her hands.
    “I understand the late Mr. Templeton’s money was made in finance.”
    Lord Westlake got to his feet abruptly.
    “You must think me a cad. It isn’t like that. Fiona is a dear thing, and I think she has a real affection for me.”
    “I am sure she has.”
    “Besides, the girls need a mother. They will come out this year or next, and I feel I have not done right by them, keeping them in India all this time. I just hope I haven’t spoiled their chances. Ada at least has the looks and the charm to marry really well, with a force like Fiona behind her.” He frowned at the floor, then looked up to her. “Do you think I’ve done the right thing, Rosaline? Tell me honestly, as a friend.”
    Mrs. Cliffe took a moment to find the right words.
    “I think you have done exactly the right thing,” she said. “Somerton cannot be lost because of one man’s foolish spending. I never expected, nor hoped for anything more from you. You know that.” The look of gratitude in his eyes was overwhelming. “But I hope you will be able to do something for Rose.”
    Lord Westlake sat down again. “Yes, Rose,” he murmured, looking at the floor. “I saw her in the hall. You can’t mistake her. She has turned out very well, it seems.”
    “Yes, she has.” Mrs. Cliffe tried not to sound too eager but could not resist leaning forward. “She is intelligent, and good, and hard working. Everyone remarks how well-bred she is. Your Lordship”—she wanted to call him Edward, but she felt it would somehow not be fair—“if you could do something for her, give her a chance of advancement, perhaps an education, something that would help her improve herself—”
    “But how can I do that, Rosaline?” Lord Westlake interrupted. “Can you imagine the questions that would be asked, the comments that would be made if I paid special attention to her? If the gossips didn’t leap to the right conclusion, they would certainly draw an even more unpleasant one—I am sorry, I’ve shocked you.”
    “Not at all,” said Mrs. Cliffe through tight lips. She should have known better than to expect anything from him, she thought. And yet he was right, she knew it. She would never be free from the curse of her one great mistake, though the result meant she could never regret it.
    She got to her feet. If she had learned one thing in her life it was that a servant could not afford love.
    “Well, sir, it is late, and I don’t think we have anything more to discuss. It will be a long day tomorrow—may I ask if there is anything else you wanted to speak of?”
    Lord Westlake shook his head as he got to his feet. As the door opened, he turned suddenly back to Mrs. Cliffe.
    “Rosaline—don’t let us part like this.” There was a tenderness in his voice that nearly brought tears to her eyes. “I very much want to do something for Rose. But it is a delicate matter. Listen: Ada and Georgiana will need a ladies’ maid. How would it be if Rose took that post?”
    Rosaline smiled. It was an advance in status, without doubt. “I know she would give satisfaction, sir.”
    “Then that’s settled. Good night, Mrs. Cliffe.” He bowed, and she dropped a curtsy.
    “Good night, sir.”
    She watched him walk down the corridor, the circle of gaslight going with him. She was exhausted, she realized, heavy in body and mind. I must go to bed , she thought.
    Just before she closed the door, there was a small snick in the darkness, like another door closing. But Mrs. Cliffe was so tired and her mind so full of troubled thoughts that she did not give it any notice.

“Well, Rose,